UK footwear and apparel group Alexon posted an excellent set of results for 2001, with operating profits surging by more than 75% from £13.6m ($19.4 million) to £24.2m ($34.5 million). Chief executive John Osborn reported strong performances for both the womenswear chain Bay Trading and Style Menswear.

The Dolcis footwear division had a much less satisfactory year, however, with losses rising from £200,000 to £600,000. The footwear chain was especially hard hit by discounting to clear slow-selling lines such as boots, where it had significantly overestimated demand, but some improvement is expected this year. Group sales for the 12 months to January 26 increased 9.7% to £373.6m.

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